If football was played on paper, you'd be reaching for your favourite betting app and putting a cheeky $50 on the Big V registering three points.

It's the team on the foot of the ladder hosting the red-hot Victory in what appears an easy win for the second-placed boys in blue.

Understandably so, given their regal form over the last six weeks and the Reds' persistent struggles to mount a revival of sorts.

To put that into statistical context, Victory have scored three times the number of goals of the Reds (30-10) this season, with 5 shots on target per game (3.2 for the Reds, in a season of just one win, four draws and eight losses).

But if there's anything we know about the A-League, anyone on any given day can win.

And if history is any guide, this game is generally a ripper to watch for the neutrals.
Last week, we saw the Reds show some ticker and fight tooth and nail in the wind and rain for a precious point in the Kiwi capital.

Adelaide is a decent side, make no mistake, and at home against their biggest rival, they'll know their suffering supporters are due a night to remember.

I like Taylor Regan's addition - he has added some defensive steel and desire to the Reds XI, and with Iacopo La Rocca injured, the former Jet could start again.

But it's in front of goal where they're lacking with just 10 goals.

For Gui Amor’s men, much rests on top scorers Henrique (3 goals) who’s been an excellent pick up, and Sergi Guardiola (3 goals) who, worryingly hobbled off the Westpac pitch last week.
Back at home, the Reds will be desperate not to repeat their Boxing Day mauling at the hands of Sydney FC.

But this Victory outfit looks in mint condition right now.

If the Victory front four are on song on the lush Coopers surface, few teams – not just Adelaide - are able to stop them right now.

The stats suggest the Reds are creating chances – the difference is the clinical finishing.

Victory are in menacing form in when faced with the goal, while the Reds struggle to convert.

For Victory, James Troisi is in top form and he’ll be the creative fulcrum behind the front three of Berisha, Rojas and Ben Khalfallah (with pacy wingers Ingham and Austin likely to come on for added attacking intent).

It’s a Big V attacking force chock full of pace, movement and clever rotations as they pull players out of position, get in behind the full backs and press the back line into mistakes.

It’s hard to play against.

You have to get your shape just right, bully them in possession and start to hurt them at the other end of the park.

Reds full backs Ahmed Elrich and Ben Garuccio will have their hands full with FBK and Rojas. However, if the United duo sense their wingers won’t track them back, an opportunity to push into dangerous positions in the Victory box offers the Reds a handy route to goal.

If they create chances through this avenue – and they can put away those chances, along with any set pieces from Isaias and the returning Marcello Carrusca – the Reds are in with a chance of reigniting their season.

But you wouldn’t bet on it.

WHO’S BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK

Bes Berisha. The Victory striker made history in Geelong during the week after his goal against the Jets saw him take over Archie Thompson’s all-time Hyundai A-League goal-scorers’ record with 91 goals.

Clinical Victory complete season double over Adelaide

Melbourne Victory’s commanding form has continued with a hard-earned 2-0 defeat of rivals Adelaide United in a lively contest at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.

James Troisi and Besart Berisha combined to see off the hosts who toiled hard but, for the first time in Hyundai A-League history, failed to find the net in a third straight match.

Troisi’s second goal of the season was a worthy opener during an entertaining opening as the midfielder curled Victory into a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

Isaias almost conjured a stunning equaliser for Adelaide after the break but the midfielder’s teasing free-kick came back off the crossbar.

Berisha put the seal on Victory’s fifth straight win just three minutes later when he traded roles with Troisi, the Albanian this time heading home his teammate’s free-kick to push Kevin Muscat’s side six points clear in second.